I’ve spent countless weekends exploring Amsterdam, and I still discover something new every time I visit. There’s something magical about this city—the way the light reflects off the canals, the constant ring of bicycle bells, and that perfect blend of historic charm and modern energy. Here’s how I like to spend 48 hours in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Saturday Morning: Canal Cruise and the Jordaan
I always start my Amsterdam weekends early, grabbing coffee and a stroopwafel from a local bakery before the crowds arrive. By 9 AM, I’m on a canal cruise—yes, it’s touristy, but there’s no better way to orient yourself and appreciate the city’s UNESCO-listed canal ring. The morning light is perfect for photos, and you’ll get fascinating stories about the narrow merchant houses and their quirky lean.
After the cruise, I wander into the Jordaan, my favorite neighborhood. Once a working-class area, it’s now filled with independent boutiques, cozy cafes, and art galleries. I love getting lost in the narrow streets, popping into the Noordermarkt if it’s Saturday, and stopping at Winkel 43 for what might be the city’s best apple pie.
Saturday Afternoon: Museums and Culture
Amsterdam has world-class museums, but you can’t do them all in one weekend. I usually pick one major museum and really take my time with it. The Rijksmuseum is my go-to—Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” alone is worth the visit, and the building itself is stunning. If I’m in the mood for something more intense, I head to the Anne Frank House (book tickets weeks in advance) or the Van Gogh Museum.
Pro tip: The museum gardens and the surrounding Museum Quarter are perfect for a relaxed stroll afterward.
Saturday Evening: Dinner in De Pijp
For dinner, I head to De Pijp, a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood that feels more like where locals actually live. The Albert Cuyp Market runs during the day, but in the evening, the surrounding streets come alive with restaurants. I’ll grab Indonesian rijsttafel (Amsterdam’s colonial history left a delicious culinary legacy), or hit up one of the many excellent Middle Eastern spots.
After dinner, I usually find a brown cafe—those traditional Dutch pubs with dark wood paneling and centuries of smoke on the walls. There’s something special about sitting with a local beer, watching Amsterdam life unfold around you.
Sunday Morning: Cycling and Markets
Sunday means renting a bike—you haven’t really experienced Amsterdam until you’ve joined the two-wheeled chaos. I bike to Vondelpark, the city’s green lung, where locals jog, picnic, and relax. In good weather, there are often free concerts at the open-air theater.
From there, I cycle through different neighborhoods, maybe stopping at the Sunday markets. The IJ-Hallen flea market (once a month) is enormous and treasure-filled, but the smaller neighborhood markets are equally charming.
Sunday Afternoon: Off the Beaten Path
For my last afternoon, I like to escape the tourist center. Sometimes I take the free ferry from behind Central Station to Amsterdam Noord, where old industrial spaces have been transformed into creative hubs, breweries, and waterfront cafes. Other times, I explore the Eastern Docklands, with their striking modern architecture and peaceful waterways.
If the weather’s nice, I’ll rent a pedal boat or simply find a quiet spot along a less-traveled canal with a good book.
Sunday Evening: Farewell Drinks
As the weekend winds down, I head back to the center for sunset drinks. If I can snag a table at a canal-side terrace, that’s perfect. Otherwise, I love the rooftop bars that have popped up around the city—watching the sun set over those iconic gables and spires never gets old.
Before catching my train or heading to my hotel, I always grab bitterballen (deep-fried Dutch snacks) as a final treat. They’re best enjoyed with mustard and good company.
What I’ve Learned
Amsterdam rewards slow exploration. Yes, you can hit the major sights in a weekend, but the real magic happens when you’re cycling down a quiet canal, stumbling into a hidden courtyard garden, or chatting with locals at a neighborhood cafe.
Every visit reminds me why this city has captured travelers’ hearts for centuries. It’s compact enough to feel manageable, diverse enough to stay interesting, and beautiful enough to fill your camera roll twice over.
Tot ziens, Amsterdam. I’ll be back soon.
